Toast to The Arts & Parks

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 1st Friday “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show highlights the powerful connection between art, nature, and military history through the work of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF). From painters and poets to filmmakers and chefs, the NPAF’s artist residency programs welcome diverse creatives into America’s national parks, where they interpret stories that honor veterans, women in military history, and the resilience of communities shaped by service and sacrifice. This inspiring conversation explores how art serves as a bridge between military history and public understanding, offering new ways to engage visitors, educate younger generations, and preserve the spirit of service within our shared landscapes. It also reflects on the foundation’s resilience through challenges like COVID-19 and government shutdowns, and the importance of storytelling, community, and education in keeping history alive. 🔗 Learn more and apply: https://nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ 🎧 Listen & follow the show: https://arts-parks.podbean.com/ 📚 Coming soon: Big Blend Radio’s NPAF Retrospective Digital Publication, celebrating almost a decade of creative collaborations in national parks. In Honor of Military Family Month, this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Way Back When," "Toast to The Arts," "Parks & Travel," and "Big Daily Blend" Shows. 📲 Explore the Network of Podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Arts & Parks” podcast celebrates National Arts & Humanities Month with Queen Esther, who completed a National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF) artist residency at Gettysburg National Military Park in 2020. Queen Esther reflects on her artistic journey, the emotional impact of her Gettysburg residency, and the themes of her upcoming album Blackbirding. The conversation delves into the historical significance of Gettysburg, the concept of blackbirding, and the power of art in preserving and conveying history. She emphasizes the resilience of the Black community and the importance of understanding the past to navigate the present and future. The discussion also touches on the role of women in history and politics, spirituality in music, and the significance of artistic expression during challenging times. 🎵 The first single Hold Steady is available here: https://ffm.to/holdsteady 🎵 Pre-save or order the full album Blackbirding here: https://ffm.to/qeblackbirding 🌐 Learn more about Queen Esther: https://www.queen-esther.com 🌐 Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation’s artist residencies: https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 1st Friday “Toast to The Arts & Parks” Show features Tijuana Ricks and Anthony Pirro, who recently completed a National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF) artist-in-residence program at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Known for her roles in Billions and Marvel’s Luke Cage, Tijuana is an acclaimed actress, writer, and director. Her partner, Anthony, brings a unique perspective as a marine biologist and genomics researcher, along with a background in creative production. More: https://www.tijuanaricks.com/ In this insightful conversation, Tijuana and Anthony share their experiences and insights from their time on the Big Island. They discuss the vital role of storytelling, the profound connection between humanity and nature, and how their immersive experience in Hawaiian culture inspired their creative process. The episode also explores the evolving landscape of the arts in the face of new challenges, emphasizing that authenticity and the human experience are more vital than ever. 🌐 Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation’s artist residencies: https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts" and "Parks & Travel" Podcast Channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In honor of American Artists Appreciation Month, Big Blend Radio revisits an archived interview with photographer William Bretzger, originally featured in 2017 as part of our ongoing coverage of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF) and its unique artist-in-residence programs. Bretzger shares insights from his time at Gettysburg National Military Park, where he has been photographing for over 20 years. In this inspiring conversation, he reflects on the immersive nature of his residency, the historical significance of Gettysburg, and his creative use of projections to blend historical figures with the present-day landscape. He also discusses balancing traditional film with modern digital photography, the role of light in storytelling, and how residencies foster artistic growth, experimentation, and a deeper connection to history. From capturing dawn and dusk’s atmosphere to exploring how artistic intentions evolve during the residency, Bretzger offers a fascinating look into the power of art in the national parks and the lasting impact of the program on his creative journey. Follow William Bretzger on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gettysburgcamera Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation: https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/

Join us for a special episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to The Parks & Arts" as we celebrate American Adventures Month and American Artists Appreciation Month. We're joined by acclaimed photographer and visionary, Tanya Ortega, founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF). Tanya shares her passion for the deep connections between artists and national parks, highlighting how NPAF's unique artist-in-residence programs are crucial for interpreting and sharing the cultural and historical significance of these treasured landscapes. We explore how artists act as storytellers, unearthing the human history intertwined with nature, and creating art that connects us to our heritage and to each other. From personal stories and ancestral connections to the importance of preserving history through archives and libraries, this conversation covers the challenges and resilience of artists working in these natural spaces. We also touch on how technology is shaping the future of art and why honoring the human legacy within our parks is more vital than ever. It's a deep dive into the powerful role of art in keeping our shared human story alive within America's most beautiful places. Learn More about NPAF: https://nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ Resources Mentioned: - Tour NY Public Library’s Famed Schwarzman Building: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/tour-ny-public-librarys-famed-schwarzman-building/ - Latest NPAF Artist-in-Residence Interviews: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing-category/national-parks-arts/ - NPAF Archive of Artist Interviews & Features in Big Blend Magazines: https://fliphtml5.com/bookcase/xamdz/ Listen & Follow: - Toast to The Parks & Arts Podcast: https://arts-parks.podbean.com/ - Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Arts & Parks” podcast features a follow-up conversation with musician and composer Rachel Mari Kimber, the National Parks Arts Foundation’s Fall 2024 Artist-in-Residence at Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona. Rachel discusses her new single, “Birds Follow Dry Riverbed,” a soulful piece inspired by the desert landscapes and experiences during her residency. She shares insights into her creative process, the emotional and healing power of music, and how nature—especially the desert—continues to shape her artistry. The conversation explores themes of harmony, community, and the personal connections music evokes. Rachel also opens up about upcoming projects including an ambient album and a sound healing release, and talks about her work with Black Forest Society and Happy Joy Harmony. 🎵 “Birds Follow Dry Riverbed” is available on all major music platforms including Spotify, Amazon, YouTube, and CD Baby. 🎧 Listen to earlier parts of Rachel’s residency journey: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/musician-rachel-mari-kimber-in-saguaro-national-park/ 🌐 More about Rachel Mari Kimber: https://rachelmarikimber.com 🎨 Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation’s artist residencies: https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 1st Friday “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show celebrates Great Outdoors Month with Tanya Ortega, acclaimed photographer and founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF). NPAF leads the way in establishing unique, month-long artist-in-residence programs in national parks across the country. In this inspiring conversation, Tanya shares how art acts as a catalyst for change and preservation, and how artists help deepen the cultural and emotional value of our public lands. The discussion touches on the legacy of art in parks, community engagement, accessibility, and the importance of integrating creativity into conservation efforts to ensure these natural treasures are cherished by future generations. 🔗 Learn more and apply: https://nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ 🎧 Listen & follow the show: https://arts-parks.podbean.com/ 📚 Coming soon: Big Blend Radio’s NPAF Retrospective Digital Publication, celebrating 8+ years of creative collaborations in national parks. This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio Network’s "Toast to The Arts," "Parks & Travel," and "Big Daily Blend" Shows. 📲 Subscribe: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Join this special episode of Big Blend Radio’s 1st Friday “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show, featuring Tanya Ortega, acclaimed photographer and founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF). In honor of Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Tanya shares inspiring stories and insights about NPAF’s exclusive month-long artist residency programs at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island and Haleakalā National Park on Maui. These fully supported residencies are open to artists of all disciplines — including painters, photographers, sculptors, filmmakers, composers, musicians, writers, and more — offering a unique opportunity to live and create while surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Hawaii’s national parks. 🔗 Learn more and apply: https://nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ 🎧 Listen & follow the show: https://arts-parks.podbean.com/ 📚 Coming soon: Big Blend Radio’s NPAF Retrospective Digital Publication, celebrating 8+ years of creative collaborations in national parks. This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio Network’s "Toast to The Arts," "Parks & Travel," and "Big Daily Blend" Shows. 📲 Subscribe: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In celebration of National Parks Week, we're revisiting this Big Blend Radio interview with landscape artist and soft pastelist Beth Williams, and her daughter, Hailey Williams who is a writer and poet. The very first pair of mother and daughter artists chosen for the National Parks Arts Foundation's artist-in-residence program, they spent September 2019 immersed in their artistic and environmental endeavors, on a pristine, isolated island at Dry Tortugas National Park in the Florida Keys. Beth is an award-winning artist and Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America. Hailey is a Scholastic award-winning poet, nonfiction, and fiction writer, as well as a self-published screenwriter. Check out their Parks & Travel Magazine feature (2020) here: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/fotl/#p=68 Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation, here: https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/

Featured for National Parks Week: We revisit this 2017 Big Blend Radio interview with classical pianist Hunter Noack who shares his experience as the inaugural artist-in-residence at Haleakalā National Park through the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF). From performing in volcanic landscapes to composing music inspired by nature and Māori mythology, Hunter’s residency explored the deep connection between art and wild places. Located on Maui, Haleakalā is known for its dramatic crater, cinder cones, and lush coastal forests—an awe-inspiring backdrop for creativity. Through programs like NPAF’s artist residencies, national parks become living studios, inviting artists to reflect the beauty, history, and cultural richness of these treasured landscapes. Tune in to hear how Hunter’s “In A Landscape” performances—using wireless headphones in natural settings—reimagines how we experience classical music in the wild. Learn More: Hunter Noack: www.hunternoack.com National Parks Arts Foundation: www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org Haleakalā National Park: www.nps.gov/hale 🎙️ Subscribe to Big Blend Radio’s Toast to The Arts & Parks Podcast: https://arts-parks.podbean.com/

Artist Lakin Epaloose joins Big Blend Radio’s 1st Friday” Toast to The Arts & Parks” Podcast to talk about his paintings, photography, fashion design, and being the latest National Parks Arts Foundation artist-in-residence for Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Lakin Epaloose, a painter and cultural bearer of the Zuni Tribe, works at Grand Canyon National Park in the cultural demonstration program. From 9:30am-1:30pm, on April 19, 2025, Lakin will offer a hands-on painting demonstration that follow his presentation at Kahuku Visitor Contact Station in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Watercolor supplies will be provided. The park’s Artist in Residence program is sponsored by the National Parks Arts Foundation and Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Reservations required, 20-person limit. Details and reservations: https://home.nps.gov/havo/learn/news/03212025-nr-april-updates.htm Learn more and view Lakin’s art: https://www.lakinepalooseart.com/ Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation’s unique artist residency programs in parks across the country at https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/

Celebrate Women's History Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio's 1st Friday "Toast to The Parks & Arts" Show with Tanya Ortega, photographer and founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF). From musicians, poets and writers to painters and textile artists, Tanya talks about the various women NPAF artists-in-residence over the years, and you can hear their Big Blend Radio interviews in this playlist here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/women-artists-in-parks/ National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF) is known for offering unique month-long artist residencies in locations like Loggerhead Key in Dry Tortugas National Park, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Chaco Canyon and Fort Union in Northern New Mexico, and Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona. These artist residency opportunities are perfect for artists of all mediums, from painters and sculptors to photographers, composers, writers, musicians, and more. Learn more: https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ Watch for Big Blend Radio's NPAF Retrospective, a digital publication featuring 8+ years of podcast interviews with artists and park representatives! Keep up with us by getting our newsletter at https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/join-our-newsletter/

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts & Parks" Show with the National Parks Arts Foundation features acclaimed illustrator Andrés Vera Martínez whose artistic focus is on illustrating and writing graphic novels for middle school and young adult readers. Andrés is best known for his work on his wife's graphic memoir, "LIttle White Duck: A Childhood in China," and Neal Shusterman’s YA graphic novel, "Courage to Dream: Tales of in the Holocaust." Watch for his middle grade graphic novel series with Jorge Aguirre, "Monster Locker" and the adaptation of "Esperanza Rising", plus, his illustrations in Marie Alohalani Brown’s "Hawaiian Myths, Gods, and Heroes." More at: https://www.andresvera.com/ Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation's unique artist residency programs in parks across the country at https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/

This episode of Big Blend Radio's 1st Friday "Toast to The Parks & Arts" Show features Tanya Ortega, photographer and founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF). Hear about the organization's unique month-long artist residencies in locations like Chaco Canyon in New Mexico, Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida, and Hawai'i Volcano National Park. Plus, this year's opportunities for park destinations and artists of all genres to be part of their programming. NPAF is a non-profit offering unique Artist-in-Residence Programs, Museum In-Loan Programs, and Workshops inspired by our National Parks, National Monuments, and World Heritage Sites. NPAF has supported over 300 programs, over 120 artists, and been the conduit for over a million dollars in artwork donations. Watch for Big Blend Radio's NPAF Retrospective, a digital publication featuring 8 years of podcast interviews with artists and park representatives! Keep up with us by getting our newsletter at https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/join-our-newsletter/ Learn more: https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts & Parks" Show features acclaimed trumpeter Delbert Anderson, the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF) artist-in-residence in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. A Diné jazz trumpet artist, composer, and educator, Delbert stands at the forefront of a vibrant Native American jazz scene. His work, deeply rooted in his Diné heritage, seamlessly integrates Navajo "spinning songs" of love, healing, and courtship with jazz and funk, thus marking him as a community-minded Indigenous individualist. Through his Delbert Anderson Quartet, Anderson revives the improvised sounds of the Diné circle, blending them with jazz, funk, and hip-hop. His compositions are inspired by Navajo Nation landscapes, historical events, and the desire to preserve and educate about Diné history. More: https://delbertanderson.com/ Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation's unique artist residency programs in parks across the country at https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/

This shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts & Parks" Show features acclaimed astrophotographer and photojournalist Stan Honda, the National Parks Arts Foundation's Fall 2024 artist-in-residence at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Stan Honda is an experienced photojournalist who now works with natural landscapes — usually night-time panoramas — that fuse sky and earth. Based in New York-based, he worked as a photojournalist for 34 years including Agence France-Presse (AFP) (the French news agency) where he photographed news and sports in New York City and around the U.S., including the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the aftermath; post-war Iraq in 2003 and 2004. Stan was also the National Parks Arts Foundation artist resident at Haleakala National Park and Fort Union National Monument. More at https://stanhonda.com/ Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation's unique artist residency programs in parks across the country at https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts & Parks" Show features musician and composer Rachel Mari Kimber, the National Parks Arts Foundation's Fall 2024 artist-in-residence at Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona. This is part two of our conversation as a follow up of her residency. Check out Part One here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/musician-rachel-mari-kimber-in-saguaro-national-park Rachel Mari Kimber is a musically creative artist from Wales, UK. She composes, sings, plays guitar and cello, orchestrates, harmonises, teaches, and produces, all from the heart. She also plays cello and sings for the band Black Forest Society, and also for Happy Joy Harmony. More: https://freeyourspiritheal.wixsite.com/love MORE LINKS FROM THE PODCAST regarding plants and music and NPAF artists in residence: - Writer Zoë Schlanger in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/writer-zoe-schlanger-in-hawaii-volcanoes-national-park/ - Writer Zoë Schlanger in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/musician-sam-nester-in-hawaii-volcanoes-national-park/ Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation's unique artist residency programs in parks across the country at https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts & Parks" Show features musician and composer Rachel Mari Kimber, the National Parks Arts Foundation's Fall 2024 artist-in-residence at Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona. Rachel Mari Kimber is a musically creative artist from Wales, UK. She composes, sings, plays guitar and cello, orchestrates, harmonises, teaches, and produces, all from the heart. She also plays cello and sings for the band Black Forest Society, and also for Happy Joy Harmony. More: https://freeyourspiritheal.wixsite.com/love Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation's unique artist residency programs in parks across the country at https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/

In celebration of American Artists Appreciation Month and the upcoming National Park Service anniversary (Aug. 25, 1860), this episode of Big Blend Radio's WORLD OF ART Podcast with artist Victoria Chick features photographer Tanya Ortega. Hear their discussion covering the Then & Now of Art and Artists in Parks and Public Lands. Talking about the history of art and artists in parks, VICTORIA CHICK is a contemporary figurative artist and early 19th/20th century print collector based in Silver City, New Mexico. Victoria spearheaded the Southwest Regional Museum of Art and Art Center . * Read her articles about artists in parks: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/art-history-in-national-parks-and-public-lands * Visit Victoria's website: https://victoriachick.com/ * Learn more about the Southwest Regional Museum of Art and Art Center: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/ Talking about "the now" of art and artists in parks, TANYA ORTEGA is a photographer and the founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation. NPAF is the only nationwide non-profit providing Artist-in-Residence Programs (AiR), Workshops, Exhibits and Museum Loans uniquely in cooperation with National Parks, National Monuments, State Parks, World Heritage Sites and other park locations. * Learn more about NPAF: https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ * Check out Big Blend Radio's Interviews with NPAF artists-in-residence: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/national-park-arts-foundation/ WATCH FOR BIG BLEND'S special digital retrospective publication featuring Victoria's articles and NPAF's artist interviews. It releases on Aug. 25, 2024 in honor of the National Park Service anniversary (Aug. 25, 1860). Subscribe to our Big Blend e-Newsletter to get your copy: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/join-our-newsletter/ Big Blend Radio's "World of Art" Show with Victoria Chick airs every 3rd Saturday. Follow the podcast: https://worldofart-victoriachick.podbean.com/ Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts & Parks Show with NPAF airs every 1st Friday. Follow the podcast: https://arts-parks.podbean.com/

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "A Toast to The Arts & Parks" Podcast features National Parks Arts Foundation artists-in-residence Carissa "Lucky" Garcia and Chelsea Bighorn. Carissa “Lucky” Garcia is an Indigenous/Chicana writer, poet, performing artist, community organizer, anti-oppression educator and Indigenous Justice advocate. Her NPAF residency was in Chaco Culture National Historical Park in Northern New Mexico. Hear her initial interview about her writing and poetry, here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/poet-carrisa-garcia-goes-to-chaco/ A mixed media artist, Chelsea Bighorn’s work is the result of her combining traditional Native American design with elements from her Irish American heritage. Her NPAF residency was in Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona. Hear her initial interview about her art, here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/artist-chelsea-bighorn-in-saguaro-national-park/ Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation’s unique artist residency programs in parks across the country at https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/